Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker

Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ

Benedictine Abbey of St. Andrew

Poor Clares of the Primitive Observance, Poor Clare Monastery

The Knights of the Holy Eucharist

Waverly, Nebraska

Franciscans of Primitive Observance

Roxbury, MA

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Please Join Us for Our 2018 National Meeting!

Welcome to the Institute on Religious Life!

Since 1974, the IRL has been a collaborative effort of Catholic bishops, priests, religious and laity to foster and strengthen vocations to the consecrated life. All members of the Church can participate in the IRL’s mission. As Pope St. John Paul II wrote, every Christian is responsible for the consecrated life, and for supporting vocations.

We hope you find this site helpful, whether you are just beginning to discern your calling in life, or you have lived the consecrated life for many years, or you are simply interested in seeing the consecrated life flourish once again. Imagine authentic religious in every parish, school, convent and monastery! Become an IRL member and you can help make this happen.

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The Holy Rosary is a precious gift in our vocational journey. In meditating upon and contemplating its mysteries, we can grow closer to Mary, our mother, intercessor and model of every vocation. We can delve deeper into the heart of the Trinity, which is the final end of all devotions. In light of the mysteries we penetrate, we can grow in knowledge of ourselves and begin to see where God might be leading us next in our vocations.

The IRL is making available a free e-book devotional, Vocational Discernment Rosary: Discovering God's Purpose and Plan for Your Life. This small booklet will help you find, follow and fulfill God's calling for your life by meditating upon the mysteries of the Rosary. To obtain a copy: Click Here

IRL Blog

Say “No” to Corruption That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption. From an excerpt by Rev. William Blazek, SJ, the director of The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: [T]he founder of the Jesuits (Saint Ignatius of Loyola) knew that riches, power and pride were all closely interrelated. The … Continue reading The Holy Father’s February 2018 Intentions →

On July 2, 2016, the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit, seven friars in all, were established as a Public Association of the Faithful in the Diocese of Phoenix in a ceremony at St. Francis Mission on the Ak-Chin Indiana Reservation. Their primary mission is to serve the Native Americans in the diocese from their … Continue reading A New Community Blooms in the Desert: Franciscan Friars of the Holy Spirit →

That Christians in Asian countries may be able to practice their faith in full freedom. Please read the inspiring homily by Pope Francis at the 2015 Mass of Canonization of Saint Joseph Vaz († 1771). He was an Oratorian missionary priest who was born in India and ministered in Sri Lanka, a country that, despite … Continue reading The Holy Father’s January 2018 Intentions →